US5325883A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device and method for carpal tunnel release
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-02-04
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Granted: 1994-07-05
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Expires: 2013-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for treating a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome is provided. The invention involves a cannula which has a closed blunt end and an open end. The cannula is dimensioned so that an endoscope and a knife can be simultaneously manipulated inside the cannula. A slot is provided between the ends of the cannula for viewing and incising the carpal ligament. The cannula preferably has a handle attached near its open end. The cannula is typically employed in conjunction with an endoscope and a knife to cut the patients transverse carpal ligament through a small wrist incision, thereby minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue, and post-operative recovery time.
Inventors
- 👤 Terrence R. Orr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/320036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome comprising the steps of: providing a cannula having a closed blunt end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope may be inserted, the cannula having a slot extending between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of the carpal ligament; making an incision near the patient's wrist; inserting the closed blunt end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; and inserting a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome comprising the steps of: providing a cannula having a closed blunt end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope may be inserted, the cannula having a slot extending between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of the carpal ligament; making an incision near the patient's wrist; inserting the closed blunt end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; and inserting a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising: providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its end for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament; making an incision near the patient's wrist; inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; and inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising: providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its end for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament; making an incision near the patient's wrist; inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; and inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising guiding a probe alone the cannula and probing the distal edge of the carpal ligament prior to sectioning.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising handling the cannula near its open end during the procedure by gripping a handle member which is rigidly and transversely attached to the cannula near its open end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the sectioning step is performed from the distal to proximal edges of the ligament.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising: providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament; making an incision proximal to the patient's wrist; inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; guiding a probe along the cannula and probing the distal edge of the carpal ligament prior to inserting the knife; and inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for incising a carpal ligament in a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, comprising: providing a cannula having a first end and an open end through which a knife and an endoscope are insertable, the cannula having a slot extending substantially between its ends for allowing simultaneous viewing and cutting of a carpal ligament; making an incision proximal to the patient's wrist; inserting the first end of the cannula through the incision and under the carpal ligament; inserting the endoscope into the open end of the cannula and viewing the carpal ligament through the cannula slot; guiding a probe along the cannula and probing the distal edge of the carpal ligament prior to inserting the knife; and inserting, after the cannula is positioned under the carpal ligament, a knife into the open end of the cannula and sectioning the ligament.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising handling the cannula near its open end during the procedure by gripping a handle member which is rigidly and transversely attached to the cannula near its open end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the sectioning step is performed from the distal to proximal edges of the ligament.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-04 | 1998-01-03 | 1998-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-04 | 2002-01-03 | 2002-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-04 | 2006-01-03 | 2006-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |